Reincarnating the Dalai Lama: A Battle Beyond Religion

Poonam Sharma
Have you ever wondered how the Dalai Lama is chosen? he isn’t. He’s found. Unlike a political leader elected through votes or appointment, the Dalai Lama—one of the most revered spiritual figures on Earth—is identified through a centuries-old mystical process rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist belief in reincarnation. And as fascinating as the spiritual journey is, it’s now tangled in a web of global politics, Chinese interference, and questions of legitimacy.

Not Chosen, But Discovered
The Dalai Lama is not elected, appointed, or crowned. Rather, he is believed to reincarnate—his soul returning to Earth in a new body to continue guiding sentient beings. Tibetan Buddhists call this rare and sacred phenomenon the tulku tradition: enlightened beings who are so filled with compassion that they voluntarily reincarnate, again and again, to serve humanity.

The Philosophy Behind the Process
At the heart of this practice lies Tibetan Buddhism, a unique blend of ancient Bon traditions, Vajrayana rituals, deep meditation, and tantric philosophy. It teaches that the human mind is the source of all experience—and to attain Buddhahood (perfect enlightenment), one must master the energies within, especially prana, the life force. Those who do can transcend karma and death.

Unlike ordinary people, whose next lives are dictated by karma, these enlightened beings can choose when, where, and as whom they’ll return. The Dalai Lama is considered the most prominent of these beings—a spiritual ocean of compassion and wisdom, hence the title “Dalai” (Mongolian for “ocean”) and “Lama” (Tibetan for “master”).

What Happens When a Dalai Lama Dies?
When a Dalai Lama dies, the process of locating his reincarnation begins—a spiritual quest overseen by a committee of high Lamas and Tibetan officials.

The process is as mystical as it is methodical:

Signs and Omens: After cremation, the direction of the smoke is noted. Dreams, visions, and signs near sacred sites like Lake Lhamo Latso are interpreted by meditating monks.

Oracles: The state oracle, known as Nechung, may offer prophetic guidance on the child’s birthplace.

Testing the Child: Once a potential child is identified, he is presented with several objects—some of which belonged to the previous Dalai Lama. If the child consistently picks the right ones, it is considered a powerful sign.

Confirmation: Former attendants of the deceased Dalai Lama are invited to confirm whether the child matches their master’s essence. If there are multiple candidates, names may be placed in a ceremonial urn and drawn by lot.

Once confirmed, the child is taken to a monastery—usually Drepung in Lhasa—where he undergoes rigorous spiritual training.

A Process Under Threat
While the spiritual dimension of this process is awe-inspiring, the political interference is deeply troubling. Since the 1950s, China has exerted harsh control over Tibet, going so far as to claim the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama.

The current 14th Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959, has been crystal clear: he will not reincarnate in any territory controlled by China. In his own words, “No legitimacy should be given to a person chosen for political purposes—particularly by officials of the People’s Republic of China.”

This has sparked intense speculation. Will the next Dalai Lama be born in India? Nepal? Bhutan? Or not at all? The Dalai Lama has even hinted that he may not reincarnate again—or that he could return as an animal, if that would better serve humanity.

Why China interferes 
At first glance, it may seem odd that an atheist communist state is so obsessed with controlling a religious figure’s rebirth. But the stakes are high. Tibet, though forcibly annexed by China in 1950, remains spiritually and culturally defiant. The Dalai Lama represents not just religion but Tibetan identity and resistance. By controlling his succession, China hopes to install a puppet Lama who will rubber-stamp Beijing’s rule over Tibet.

In 1995, China controversially appointed its own Panchen Lama (a key figure in the Dalai Lama selection process), while the real one—chosen by the Dalai Lama—was abducted and remains missing to this day.

Bonus Insights: Did You Know?
The title “Dalai Lama” was first granted to the third Dalai Lama by Mongolian ruler Altan Khan, who hoped to spread Buddhism and legitimize his own rule.

The fourth Dalai Lama was Altan Khan’s great-grandson and the only one born outside Tibet.

The first Dalai Lama was posthumously recognized after his death; he had been a humble shepherd turned monk.

The Future of Faith and Freedom
The search for the next Dalai Lama is not just a spiritual matter; it’s a battle over who controls the soul of Tibet. Will it remain a sacred tradition of faith and selflessness, or will it be hijacked for political propaganda?

As the current Dalai Lama edges closer to the end of his earthly journey, the world watches with bated breath. For the Tibetan people, this isn’t just about a religious leader—it’s about cultural survival, resistance, and hope. For China, it’s about absolute control.

And for the rest of us? It’s a rare glimpse into a world where spirituality and statecraft collide—and where the rebirth of a soul could shape the future of an entire region.